1 /5 Miya Renita MB: As a woman of faith and longtime resident of Allen, I felt led to share this message. After becoming an empty nester, I downsized and have been grateful to work from home while navigating recent challenges. A trusted colleague who visited your church and spoke highly of the environment encouraged me to reach out for assistance.
Upon visiting, I had a warm and kind experience with Susan at the front desk. However, I must share my concern as a believer in how we, as servants of God, choose to serve others—especially those reaching out during a difficult time.
My initial call with Barbara was disappointing. Rather than approaching the situation with compassion or a genuine desire to understand my circumstances, I was spoken to in a way that felt dismissive and transactional. Though she did offer a list of resources—something I appreciated—she quickly said, “I can help you with $200,” without truly taking the time to listen or provide any encouragement. As an educated woman and servant myself, I could sense a lack of care in her tone, possibly stemming from previous negative experiences. I promptly sent her the information she requested via email the next day, after speaking with my leasing office with whom I’ve always had a respectful and positive relationship.
To clarify, most apartment communities—including mine—do not accept partial payments. Barbara later called to say she saw I still owed a balance and needed proof that the remaining amount was covered. I explained that it would not be finalized for a few more days. It was disheartening to hear her speak as though she had insight into my financial affairs—when, by law, leasing offices cannot disclose such information. In my understanding, most churches or organizations provide payments directly to the landlord or leasing office, not the tenant. Barbara also informed me I had to pick up the check in person. When I told her I didn’t currently have a car, her response—“You don’t have a car?”—felt judgmental and unkind.
By God’s grace, I was able to gather the full amount I needed—without judgment, without questionable intentions, and without rudeness.
My reason for writing this is simple: Let us remember to walk in the light of God. We never know someone’s story or struggle. We are all members of the community, and many of us are hard-working individuals who, from time to time, need a helping hand. While I did not expect anything to be handed to me, I did expect to be treated with dignity and compassion.
This was a heartbreaking and discouraging experience for me, but I hope it encourages future reflection and a renewed commitment to kindness and service.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV):
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
